One of the most effective ways to improve workplace mental health is to provide managers and leaders with practical strategies to promote and support the mental wellbeing of their staff, according to the Black Dog Institute.

According to the mental health research organisation, mental ill-health costs Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year due to absenteeism and productivity loss.

It recently launched two new mental health training programs for managers after research revealed manager capability to be one of the most influential factors impacting employee wellbeing.

Clinical psychologist, and facilitator of the Black Dog Institute, Pamela Withey, noted that mental health in the workplace is “not a luxury” and employers have a clear OHS duty to provide a psychologically safe environment.